Sulphur Springs City Council Member Touts Lithium Extraction Company as City Seeks Lease
August 7, 2024 – The regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council saw the council approving a “brine lease” with a company to extract valuable lithium from the “Thermo Mine” property which is now owned by the City of Sulphur Springs. The move was touted by one council member on social media as he suggested that citizens should do their own due diligence if they are approached for a similar lease. The following post appeared on Place One City Council Member Jay Julian’s personal Facebook page.
“Dear Citizens of Sulphur Springs,
I’m excited to share some significant news from our recent city council meeting on Tuesday night. We have officially approved a brine lease for mineral royalty owned by the City of Sulphur Springs, located at the “Thermo” property. This marks a major step forward in tapping into the lithium resources within the Smackover Formation, which runs through northeast Texas and contains some of the highest concentrations of lithium in the country.
The city council has authorized our city manager to execute a brine lease with Texas Lone Star Brine, LLC. This company will utilize Standard Lithium, LTD’s proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process to extract the lithium from the brine. The DLE process is impressive, as it processes the brine in small tanks to remove the lithium, and then pumps the leftover brine water back into the formation, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
As part of my due diligence, I personally visited and toured Standard Lithium, LTD’s DLE facility in El Dorado, Arkansas. I found their process to be exceptionally clean and efficient. The tour included a Q&A session that addressed all my concerns and boosted my confidence in their technology. Moreover, Standard Lithium has substantial backing from major investors, including a $100 million investment from Koch Strategic Platforms.
Currently, several companies are competing for mineral royalties for brine. Among them are Texas Lone Star Brine, LLC (associated with Standard Lithium, LTD.), Black Mountain Lithium, and Bright Star Exploration, LLC. I’ve also heard that a fourth company might be entering the game soon.
While I won’t advise anyone on what they should do, I want to emphasize that a lot of due diligence was done at the city council level. We chose Texas Lone Star Brine, LLC because we believe Standard Lithium, LTD is at the forefront of this new lithium boom, with the best technology and the investment backing to see it through to production.
If you have been approached by a landman attempting to lease your minerals, I strongly suggest doing your own due diligence. For more information, you can follow this link to a Standard Lithium, LTD presentation, with the facility I toured featured on slide thirteen.
Let’s move forward together in this exciting new chapter for our community!“
Julian also shared the following link on his personal Facebook page for more information. https://d1io3yog0oux5.cloudfront.net/…/Standard-Lithium…
Julian did not disclose what monetary compensation this lease may mean for the City of Sulphur Springs, but shared a link to Standard Lithium’s website. Julian mentioned a $100 million investment made from Koch Strategic Partners as a favorable reason that he believed Standard Lithium was a good choice although a recent Barron’s online article showed that Koch Strategic Partners have lost 63% of their investment.
Jay W Julian’s Facebook post began to receive pushback from citizens against this controversial technology of lithium extraction from brine and what it may mean for the environment and neighbors. It will now be up to City Manager Marc Maxwell to continue negotiations with Texas Lone Star Brine, LLC. who has promised to use new technology from Standard Lithium.
2024 Big Tex Choice Awards Finalists Accounced
By STATE FAIR OF TEXAS | It’s crunch time—pun intended—for finalists of the three most iconic food titles in all of Texas. THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE FINALISTS FOR THE 20TH ANNUAL BIG TEX® CHOICE AWARDS. Three winners will be crowned on Thursday, August 22 in the categories of: “BEST TASTE – SAVORY,” “BEST TASTE – SWEET,” and “MOST CREATIVE.” Back in June, a record-breaking 65 entries represented by 40 Fair concessionaires were narrowed down to 24 semi-finalists, with each entry having been evaluated on four Fair-food elements: uniqueness, creativity, presentation, and taste. After testing some tasty dishes, votes were cast, and the results are in. Ten finalists must now bring it on before a prestigious panel of celebrity judges in hopes of taking home one of the top prizes at the Most Texan Place on Earth. Don’t worry – if your favorite semifinalist didn’t make the final cut, many concessionaires may still choose to include their creation at their stand as a new food item at this year’s Fair. Without further ado, the State Fair of Texas is happy to present the 10 finalists who will compete for the coveted titles of “Best Taste – Savory,” “Best Taste – Sweet,” and “Most Creative” in the 2024 Big Tex Choice Awards competition.
SAVORY
DOMINICAN FRITURA DOG, Justin Martinez
This savory dish brings an explosion of flavor that starts with fritura cheese and Dominican salami. Taking classic Fair food up a notch, this dish is then double deep fried with their famous corn dog batter! Split open and topped with garlic plantain chips, top-secret Dominican sauce, and cilantro, the Dominican Fritura Dog will bring you the best of salty and sweet with an explosion of Dominican flavor. “Hopefully, we’re opening another avenue for people at the State Fair to try something they don’t normally try. That’s what the State Fair is about,” said Justin Martinez, creator of the Dominican Fritura Dog.
THE DROWNING TAQUITOS, Tony & Terry Bednar
Served in a cup, these fresh, hand-rolled corn tortillas are stuffed with tender shredded chicken and then deep-fried to perfection. To further encapsulate the savory flavor, the taquitos are then “drowned” with a tangy cream sauce, jalapeño, guacamole salsa, shredded lettuce, avocado, tomatillo, pico, and Cotija cheese.
HIPPIE CHIPS, Rose & Tom Deschenes
These far-out wavy potato chip nachos promise to deliver “every flavor profile” with your choice of either zesty homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing, topped with bacon bits, fresh green onions, and a tangy drizzle of sriracha. You can be extra funky and add blue cheese crumbles if you’re so inclined.
HOT CHICK-IN-PANCAKE POPPERS, Palmer & Amanda Fortune
They’re savory, they’re sweet, and they’re easy to eat. Authentic Nashville hot chicken and pimento cheese are rolled into a ball, dunked into pancake batter, and fried to a golden brown, then topped with a drizzle of Sriracha honey and a sprinkle of Nashville hot powdered sugar.
TEXAS FRIED BURNT END BOMBS, Nick & Vera Bert
These bombs take mouthwatering brisket wrapped with shredded potatoes, bacon, and cheese, deep fry it, and top it with a raspberry chipotle barbeque glaze drizzled to add the perfect touch of sweetness.
SWEET
NEVINS NUTTY BAR-LASKA, Tami Nevins Mayes & Josey Mayes
This sweet treat takes the classic nutty bar and adds toasted marshmallow, two Oreos®, strawberry sauce, and freeze-dried strawberry pieces. “It’s on a stick! What’s more Fair food than that?” said Josey Nevins-Mayes, co-creator of the Nevins Nutty Bar-laska.
ROUSSO’S COTTON CANDY BACON ON A STICK, Isaac Rousso
This masterful combination of sweet and savory flavors comes to life with the Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick—a thick, 12-inch piece of bacon cooked to perfection with a cotton candy glaze on top. The bacon is spun inside a cotton candy machine and torched to caramelize the center and lock in that sweet flavor.
STRAWBERRY POP-TARTS® BEIGNETTFLE, Justin Martinez
This sweet treat was inspired by the flavors of New Orleans beignets and the childhood nostalgia of Pop-Tarts® and waffles, all put together on a stick because Justin says, “Everything is better on a stick.” The Strawberry Pop-Tarts® Beignetffle is a heavenly combination of a fluffy beignet and a crispy waffle topped with homemade strawberry filling, a sweet vanilla icing drizzle, fresh whipped cream, and garnished with colorful sprinkles.
TEXAS SUGAR RUSH PICKLES, Heather Perkins
These cotton-candy-flavored pickle slices are coated in three cereal varieties—Lucky Charms™, Froot Loops®, and Cap’n Crunch® —and then layered in cotton candy, cotton candy sugar crystals, and powdered sugar before being drizzled with strawberry sundae syrup. As if that wasn’t enough, these dressed-up pickles are served with a helping of vanilla ice cream, adding a perfectly cool touch to this crazy concoction!
TROPICAL TWO-STEP PUNCH, Binh Tran
To give fairgoers a taste of paradise, this punch marinates fruits like citrus, passionfruit, and mango overnight to create a crisp cooler that’s fresh, tangy, sweet, sour, and spicy. Available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, this thirst quencher is sure to help you cool down on a hot day at the Fair.
These 10 Fairly-foodie finalists will battle for the three titles on Thursday, August 22, at 2 p.m. CST. While the Big Tex Choice Awards event is closed to the public, folks can follow along online by tuning into one of our social media channels – @StateFairofTX on all platforms.
The 2024 State Fair of Texas, themed “24 Days of Fun,” will open on Friday, September 27, and will run through Sunday, October 20. Head on over to BigTex.com/Tickets to purchase your season passes and premium tickets today and join us this fall at the Most Texan Place on Earth.
Summer Graduation Set for August 9 and 10 at A&M-Commerce
August 6, 2024 – Mark your calendars for summer commencement ceremonies this week at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
COMMERCE, TX, August 6, 2024—Summer graduation at Texas A&M University-Commerce is almost here! Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10. Ceremonies will be held in Ferguson Auditorium on the A&M-Commerce campus. For location information, view the campus map and directions. Doors will open one hour before each ceremony.
Graduate Highlights
This summer, 702 students will receive their degrees, including 407 undergraduate students, 273 master’s students and 22 doctoral students. Among the candidates, 226 will graduate with academic distinction, including 67 cum laude, 81 magna cum laude and 78 summa cum laude.
Graduation Ceremony Schedule
A&M-Commerce will conduct four separate ceremonies, as follows:
Graduate School – Master’s (No Doctoral)
Friday, Aug. 9, 2024
1:30 p.m.
College of Business
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
College of Science and Engineering
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/jSUwfbaozac
_____________________________
Graduate School – Doctoral and Master’s
Friday, Aug. 9, 2024
4 p.m.
Doctoral:
All colleges
Master’s:
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Education and Human Services
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/jnR5OtgU5DE
_____________________________
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024
8:30 a.m.
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Business
College of Education and Human Services
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
College of Science and Engineering
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/4FI6VRNlgqY
_____________________________
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024
11:30 a.m.
College of Innovation and Design
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/ki3Jaxp_HhA
Guest Information
Guests, please note the following information:
- Tickets:
- Each graduate received an allotted number of tickets to share with family and friends. A ticket must be presented for each guest, including infants and toddlers.
- Guests without tickets may view a live stream of the ceremony, either on the second floor of the Rayburn Student Center or via the links above.
- Parking:
- Guests may park in Lots 5, 6, 11 or 18. Guests with disabilities (with a handicap placard) may park in Lots 12 and 20.
- Bags:
- A clear bag policy is in place.
- Noisemakers:
- Please refrain from distracting noises (air horns, noisemakers) after your graduate’s name has been called. Since candidates proceed across the stage in rapid order, noise interruptions may override the name of the following graduate. Your cooperation in this matter is sincerely appreciated.
- Accessibility:
- For accessibility concerns, please email [email protected].
For additional guest information, please visit tamuc.edu/Graduation.
Follow A&M-Commerce on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and check out the University Photo Archive for upcoming graduation photos!
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library to be Open This Saturday
This coming Saturday, August 10th, will be the second Saturday of August. Which means the Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library will be open for use. They will be open from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Come do a little research, or just browse amongst our collections.
The library is located at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx.
Dinner Bell for August 7, 2024
Christus Mother Frances Hospital of Sulphur Springs initially partnered with the Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry in March 2017. That was the beginning of a long and multi year commitment among the entities.The hospital has at least 8 associates who volunteer for meal service for the six times yearly partnership.
One of the goals of Christus Mother Frances is the alleviation of food insecurity in Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County. Partnering with Dinner Bell provides a very substantial meal to those lacking transportation, finances and/or the ability to prepare healthful foods for their families and/or themselves.
Within a few months Dinner Bell will reopen its doors again for in house dining which was changed to a meal distribution system because of Covid.
The Christus associates will then join together around meal tables with those seeking a nutritious meal. There will be prayer, interactions, conversation and fellowship at those tables. A new relationship can be started!!! WIth in house dining the Christus team will be allowed to Fellowship with individuals in the Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County community.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Chicken Pot Pie
Sweet and Savory Green Beans
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Lemon Cake To Die For
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE LURKING IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Texas Game Wardens Add Second Helicopter to Aviation Unit
Aug. 5, 2024 -AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has added a new helicopter to its fleet of law enforcement aircraft. The 2023 Airbus H125 helicopter will allow the Texas Game Warden Aviation Unit to expand their statewide response capacity for natural disasters, search and rescue incidents, air patrols and more.
“Adding a second helicopter with updated technology, Texas Game Wardens will be able to better serve the people of Texas by responding to natural disaster events and helping game wardens enhance their conservation law enforcement capabilities,” said Brandon Rose, Texas Game Warden chief pilot.
The aircraft is outfitted with the latest law enforcement technology and emergency response equipment, including a rescue hoist, thermal imager, searchlight, public address system, satellite communication, night vision and firefighting equipment. The new aircraft, which cost approximately $6.5 million, was made possible through legislative appropriation during the 87th Texas legislative session.
Based out of Austin, helicopter crews consist of a game warden pilot and a tactical flight officer. Both helicopters in the fleet have the capacity to carry additional game wardens and personnel, including K9 teams, during remote search and rescue missions and natural disaster response. The helicopters are also utilized for a variety of aerial surveillance operations such as showing wardens areas of their county not easily accessible by roads, finding hunters in remote areas and helping patrol for poachers.
“Since the new helicopter went into service in May, we have already assisted wardens and other agencies across the state in a variety of ways and have enjoyed the increased footprint two helicopters have provided us,” said Rose. “We’ve helped search for an evading felon in Bastrop County, assisted with a theft case search in Jim Wells County, performed aerial patrols as part of Operation Lone Star, searched for drowning victims across the state, helped with riverbed violations, conducted water safety patrols, as well as numerous training exercises and survey flights.”
TPWD has been utilizing aviation assets since 1930. The current unit now consists of two Airbus H125 helicopters and five pilots. Two new Cessna fixed-wing aircraft will be added to the fleet in 2025. Additionally, a team of game warden unmanned aircraft operators are stationed throughout the state to help further protect the natural and cultural resources of Texas.
Hopkins County Records – July/August 2024
Daily Instrument Register For 7/8/24 Thru 7/10/24
- Big Country Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Bhanu Kosuri; Tract in the A Parks Survey
- Big Country Land Management LLC and DCTXLP LLC to Aretha Harris and Relus M Harris Sr; Tract in the A Parks Survey
- Patsy Norton to Barbara D Norton; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Richard M Sutton to Kourtney Jo Stone; Tract in the AC Juan Palvadore Survey
- Blanca Cadena to Maria Ugalde Rojo; Tract in the J Ybarbo Survey
- Oak National Development LLC to Altura Builders DFW LLC; Tract in the Lot 1 Blk 4Stone Creek Addition Phase 1A Survey
- Oak National Development LLC to Altura Builders DFW LLC; Tract in the Lot 2 Block 4 Stone Creek Addn Phase 1A Survey
- Oak National Development LLC to Altura Builders DFW LLC; Tract in the Lot 3 Block 4 Stone Creek Addn Phase 1A Survey
- Oak National Dev3elopment LLC to Altura Builders DFW LLC; Tract in the Lot 8 Block 5 Stone Creek Addn Phase 1A Survey
- Oak National Development LLC to Altura Builders DFW LLC; Tract in the Lot 9 Block 5 Stone Creek Addn Phase 1A Survey
- Oak National Development LLC to Altura Builders DFW LLC; Tract in the Lot 10 Block 5 Stone Creek Addn Phase 1A Survey
- Marie Gregory and T N Gregory to Jacob Morrill; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Mike Briley and Sarah Briley to Erin Ruth McCrary; Tract in the AC Ocela Barb Survey
- Clinton D Murphy to Angelica R Guzman and Saul Israel Miranda; Tract in the Santos Coy Survey
Daily Instrument Register For 7/11/24 Thru 7/12/24
- Jennifer W Aif Clarke Also Known As Wiley Wroten Also Known As Wiley H Wroten Jr, and Jennifer W AIF Clark to Jeanne Campbell; Tract in the Elizabeth Melton Survey
- Maria Gloria Yanez to Jose Eulalio Yanez; Tract in the AC Hayden Arnold Survey
- Jeff Redding to Omega Mardeting Inc; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Martin Munoz Jr to Ana Aguilar and Gerardo Aguilar; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- James Morgan Pitre Jr to Pitre Krista Michelle Moon Potts Roberson Block; Tract in the AC James Garrett Survey
- James Morgan Pitre Jr to Pitre Krista Michelle Moon Potts Roberson Block; Tract in the AC J M Garrett Survey
- Melissa Jenkins Pogue to Austin Mello; Tract in the Lot 7 Sandy Hill Addn Survey
- Robbie Horton and Stanley Horton to Theresa Toland and William Toland; Tract in the AC S Churchill Survey
- George Payne, Ricky Payne, and Scott Payne to Jaeilin Linzeth Felipe; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- C Earp and S Earp to Thou Prek; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
Daily Instrument Register For 7/15/24 Thru 7/17/24
- Oscar Aguilar to Om-Homebuyers LLC; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Jeff Redding to Elohim Investment Homes Inc; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Brian Sims to Cason Brice McKinney; Tract in the AC WM B Birdwell Survey
- Vicki R Fuller Also Known As Vicki R Wolf to Gary Christopher Williams and Karrie Anne Williams; Tract in the AC BBB & CRR CO Survey
- Wayne Cooper to Molly Anne Johnston and Carter Irvin Monk; Tract in the Jose Ybarbo Survey
- Ali Newsom and Jonathan Aaron Newsom to Diana Gayle Gregory; Tract in the AC Nacogdoches Univ Survey
- Dan George, Kristi Vaughan George, Carla Maxine Vaughan, Rickey James Vaughan, Rusty Ray Vaughan, Ryan Lee Vaughan, Tammy Vaughan, and Amy Vaughan Wallace to Carolyn Kay Smith Vaughan; Tract in the John Clark Survey
- Carolyn Kay Smith Vaughan to Walter Lowry III and Elisa Smith; Tract in the John Clark Survey
- Tabatha McQueen to JM Legacy Endeavors LLC; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Diane Dixon to Jeremy Thompson; Tract in the Lot 9 Block 1 Stone Briar Phase 1 Addn Survey
- Britt Ross Also Known As Britt Duncan Ross and Patricia Ellen Ross to Allie Avery Price and Kasen Tate Price; Tract in the L J Crook Survey
- Ashley Hammons, Tracy Hammons, and Tukey Creek Investments LLC Also Known As Turkey Creek LLC to Jeffery Grojean; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Naomy Velez and Omar Velez to ACS Builders INC; Tract in the E Melton Survey
- James Williams and Judy Gail Williams to Cameron Bledsoe; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Richard Watkins to Jackson Randolph Watkins; Tract in the R P Boswell Survey
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 7/19/24 Thru 7/25/24
- Garcia Erick Rubi Morales and Gonzalez Mariana Casimiro
- Gonzalo Marroquin and Crystal Joy Tyson-Collins
- Tellez Jose Arm Hernandez and Jennifer Peres
- Zachary Ryan Brown and Caryn Dianne Johnson
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 7/26/24 Thru 8/5/24
- Bernabe Jose Alvar Rangel and Charito Resendiz
- Zachary Robert Terry and Kasie Michele Maynard
- William McGill Johnson Jr and Amber Sade Harris
- Hal Devin Lorance and Garza Karen Judith Moreno
- Cody Shaw Douglas and Magen Kathryn Mabe
- Joshua Robert Bobay and Lillian Michaela Allen
- Reed Kivlen Brenner and Tabitha Haley Thompson
Criminal Illegal Immigrant on Most Wanted List Arrested in Round Rock
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has captured another fugitive from Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List – this time in Round Rock. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in this arrest.
Fabian Martinez Toribio, 25, a criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico, was wanted out of Travis County for aggravated sexual assault of a child and possession of a controlled substance. He was taken into custody on Wednesday by DPS Special Agents and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and booked into the Williamson County Jail. Martinez Toribio’s arrest was a result of investigative efforts and a series of leads by DPS Special Agents assigned to his case.
Martinez Toribio was arrested and convicted of entry without inspection in April 2018 and was subsequently removed from the United States. In Oct. 2023, he was arrested by the Manor Police Department for resisting arrest/search and possession of a controlled substance and bonded out of jail. In Jan. 2024, the Austin Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Additionally, in Feb. 2024, a warrant was issued out of Travis County for his arrest for possession of a controlled substance. For more information, view Martinez Toribio’s captured bulletin here.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants. In 2024, DPS and other agencies have arrested 28 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including 10 sex offenders, 9 gang members and 3 criminal illegal immigrants.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
- Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
- Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
- Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are anonymous—regardless of how they are submitted—and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
DPS Special Agents work with local and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend all of the criminal illegal immigrant fugitives that have been identified and to select the fugitives that appear on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List. You can find the current lists—with photos—on the DPS website.
Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.
CANHelp Puts on Quite the Back to School Fair Again
August 4, 2024 – The Hopkins County Community Action Network, or CANHelp, with help from many local organizations, churches, Universities, and others, put on a very successful back to School Fair this month. 400 backpacks were handed out to needy kids. There were vendors, games, prizes, a water slide, a bouncy house, popcorn, snow cones, community involvement, fellowship, and so much more. Check out the video below for some of the highlights.
Paris District Road Report for Week of August 5, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Aug. 5, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Bicycle Safety Campaign
Bicyclist fatalities from traffic crashes are on the rise in Texas. From 2017 – 2021, 364 cyclists were killed on our streets and highways. In 2021 alone, there were 2,267 traffic crashes involving bicyclists in Texas, resulting in 92 deaths, a 12 percent increase in fatalities over the previous year. The two top contributing factors in these crashes were driver inattention and failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign.
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and can also be fined for violating traffic laws. They must obey all traffic signs and signals, including red lights and stop signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, use hand signals when turning or stopping, and yield the right of way. Cyclists must also have a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back of their bike when riding at night. TxDOT offers these additional safety tips to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
When riding a bike:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Use the bike lane if it’s there, or ride as near as possible to the curb.
- Be visible and safe by wearing light/reflective clothing.
- Learn more about bicycle safety.
When behind the wheel:
- Pass bikes at a safe distance and give cyclists room to ride.
- When turning, yield the right of way to cyclists.
- Obey the speed limit and pay 100% attention to the road.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
Annual Seal Coat. The annual seal coat program is scheduled to begin work on Aug. 6. Roadways receiving a seal coat surface this year include FM 120 from FM 1753 to Carpenter’s Bluff Bridge; FM 691 from FM 131 to the airport; and FM 902 from US 377 to US 75. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
The southbound US 75 exit ramp (Exit 57) for Park Avenue is closed to allow crews to complete the final pavement surfacing at this ramp. Motorists traveling southbound are asked to use the southbound exit for State Highway 91 and North Travis Street, and continue along the southbound frontage road to Park Avenue. They may also use the southbound exit for South Travis Street/FM 1417.
The southbound US 75 exit ramp (Exit 58) for Houston Street is closed to traffic to allow crews to complete the final pavement surfacing at this ramp. Motorists traveling southbound are asked to use the southbound exit for North Travis Street and continue southward to Houston Street and on to Center Street. They may also use the southbound exit for South Travis Street/FM 1417.
The northbound US 75 exit ramp for Lamar Street is closed to traffic to allow crews to complete the final pavement surface at this ramp. The ramp should reopen at 9 p.m. on Aug. 13. Motorists traveling northbound are encouraged to use the northbound exit for Center Street and continue along the northbound frontage road to Lamar Street or use the northbound exit for North Travis Street.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
US 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Construction on this project is expected to begin on Aug. 19. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Wright Road, SH 289 and Plainview Road as the detour route.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the eastbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek, the westbound US 82 lanes at Post Oak Creek, and on the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at FM 1417. Motorists should expect daytime lane closures on FM 1417 at the US 82 underpass, while crews are replacing the bridge rail at this location. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect daytime lane closures while this work is underway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 2729, from SH 11 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Annual Seal Coat. The annual seal coat program is scheduled to begin work on Aug. 6. Roadways receiving a seal coat surface this year include Recreational Road 3 from FM 273 to end of maintenance, and SH 78 from SH 56 to SH 11. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2990, at the North Sulphur River bridge. The FM 2990 bridge at the North Sulphur River is closed to traffic permanently for removal of the bridge as part of the new Lake Ralph Hall project. Traffic is asked to use SH 34 as the alternate route to FM 2990. Changeable message signs will be onsite to warn motorists of the closure.
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 274 at Sandy Creek bridge is closed to thru traffic while the contractor replaces the existing bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
SH 56 at Bois d’Arc Creek. SH 56 at Bois d’Arc creek is reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic as crews work to remove and replace the bridge railing. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and Caney Creek. SH 56 at Hutchins creek and Caney creek will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of Aug. 5, as crews will work to remove and replace the bridge railing as well as perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2645, from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2554, from FM 273 to CR 2125. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1743, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1491, from SH 78 to Simmon Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform paving operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: IH 30. Watch for nighttime lane closures as crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County:
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and a detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, TX. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor has finished the placement of HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes. The contractor has begun placing final striping and is completing backfilling pavement edges throughout the project Seeding and mulch is being placed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work and has begun road widening and ditch grading in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. The contractor is placing SW3P devices and prepping the right of way. Culvert work has begun on the project and excavation and road widening is in progress. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. Final punchlist items are underway. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor is wrapping up on cross culverts and culvert extensions and will be placing riprap soon. The contractor will be sealing and shouldering up the first mile of the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. The contractor is waiting on dryer soil conditions. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been working on the placement of storm sewer and culverts will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. Nighttime operations are currently being used for several cross culvert locations. The contractor is placing geogrid and flexbase on FM 2642 near Royse City high school moving north. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with subgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. During the realignment, all I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted to the frontage road from Exit 89 (FM 1570) to FM 1903. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. Contractor is working on excavating and widening of the shoulders for phase 1 and placing RCP for temporary drainage on detours. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County. Both crews are working on various roads in Hunt and Rains Counties placing fog seal on inhouse seal coat roads.
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